Pre-commencement celebration May 11, first graduating class in veterinary biomedical science program

Monday, May 9, 2016

OLATHE — Eleven students at Kansas State University Olathe are being honored for the completion of their graduate degrees at a pre-commencement celebration on Wednesday, May 11.

The celebration recognizes graduate students who have completed and are completing their degree requirements for the fall 2015, spring 2016 and summer 2016 academic semesters. It begins at 5:30 p.m. in Forum Hall at K-State Olathe. Refreshments will follow in the Bistro.

"We are delighted to celebrate this milestone in the academic journey of several of our talented students," said Janice Barrow, associate dean and associate professor in the School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Studies. "Commencement is always a little bittersweet, but K-State Olathe could not be more proud of our graduates and their successes."

As well as being the largest graduating class recognized at K-State Olathe, the event marks another first.

Joel Baublits, Overland Park; Heather Davis, Olathe; and Justin Engels, Lawrence; are the first to graduate from the K-State Olathe's veterinary biomedical science program since the degree expanded to the campus in August 2013. All three are receiving master's degrees.

"I'm extremely proud of Joel, Heather and Justin," said Paige Adams, research assistant professor and instructor of the veterinary biomedical science program. "All three are talented, hardworking and very knowledgeable about their particular focus in animal health. I can think of no better students to be the first representatives of K-State Olathe's veterinary biomedical science program and I look forward to their future successes."

In addition to Baublits, Davis and Engels, fellow graduates being recognized are:

• Johnna Bradford, Easton, master's in adult and continuing education
• Molly Fusselman, Kansas City, Missouri, master's in horticulture
• Kyle Merklein, Kansas City, Missouri, master's in biological and agricultural engineering
• Lani Meyer, Wichita, master's in horticulture
• Bryan Noland, Kansas City, Missouri, master's in adult and continuing education
• Kim Plevniak, Overland Park, master's student in biological and agricultural engineering
• Robert Roberson, Olathe, master's in adult and continuing education
• Keisha Washington, Kansas City, master's in adult and continuing education

Visit http://olathe.k-state.edu/graduate-programs/ for academic degrees from K-State Olathe.
A complete schedule of commencement ceremonies for all of Kansas State University campuses is available at http://www.k-state.edu/graduation/.